Recruitment activity might be falling sharply, but organisations are still competing to attract and retain top talent. But what behaviour makes one talented individual consistently succeed over another?

In her new book, Judith Leary-Joyce has interviewed a range of what she calls “serial achievers” from many backgrounds to try to identify the traits that led them to be successful. These stories, recounted in the book, illustrate the theories that Leary-Joyce has developed as a psychologist and business coach on how to use talent effectively and fulfil potential.